Seasonal Membership Desk Associate

Blank Park Zoo; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive income

Excellent working environment

Job summary

A community-focused zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, is looking for a Seasonal Membership Desk Associate. This role involves processing membership sales, assisting guests with inquiries, and providing backup support for admissions staff. The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and a basic understanding of Microsoft Office. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant team environment while promoting a passion for conservation and education.

Qualifications

• Previous customer service experience is preferred.
• Competence in cash handling procedures is essential.
• Ability to learn new computer software quickly.

Responsibilities

• Process sales of memberships and donations.
• Assist guests with questions regarding memberships.
• Provide backup support for front admissions staff.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Cash handling

Problem solving

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Intermediate word processing skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Job description

Jobs: Seasonal Membership Desk Associate

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

Position Purpose

The Membership Desk Associate is positioned at the Membership Desk in the admissions lobby, and is responsible for sales of memberships both in person and over the phone, assisting all guests with questions and concerns, and providing backup support for guest services staff.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Process sales of memberships, donations, and other daily transactions.
• Answer the membership hotline and general reception line to assist guests with questions.
• Assist members in inquiries regarding digital membership cards, upgrades, and all other membership related items.
• Assist in leading Behind the Scenes tours.
• Provide backup support to front admissions staff with checking guests in and selling tickets.
• Assist manager in other special tasks and projects as assigned.
• Must be competent in cash handling procedures.
• Resourceful – Able to learn and excel at new computer software.
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow up.
• Positive – Must be positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbal and written, must have effective listening skills.
• Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
• Innovative – Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern as related to animal care.
• Efficient – Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner.
• Customer‑Oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills, interacts with many different types of individuals and situations.
• Team Player – Collaborates with team to achieve common goals.

Office/Lobby

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse, keyboard and other office equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to loud noise and may be required to be outside for brief periods of time.

Physical Requirements

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Driving.
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Reaching with hands and arms.
• Tasting or smelling.

Required education and experience

• Intermediate word processing skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office required.
• Customer Service experience is preferred.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and gives employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.